From Taos and Santa Fe through Albuquerque, Tijeras and Edgewood in the East Mountains, to Los Lunas in the south, the United States Green Building Council New Mexico (USGBCNM) chapter, observed Sustainability Week with lectures, workshops, and tours of gardens and green buildings-commercial and residential. The self-guided residential tour was educational and served to show that green and sustainable concepts encompass more than buildings.

Although not obvious to the uninitiated, the twenty homes at various stages of completion on the residential tour, provided tour participants with close-up views of sustainable (green) techniques and products during the construction phase and in completed projects. Some projects were renovations that converted conventional and often distressed properties to green ones. Others were completely newly built green.

Renovated properties, some in historic neighborhoods, demonstrate the potential that exists to revitalize distressed neighborhoods with attractive, healthy housing at a lower than building new. At one property on the tour, an in-fill adobe renovation saved another historic adobe house from being bulldozed. In another in a so-called student ghetto, a 780 square foot home was gutted and completely rebuilt in an attractive, modern style..

But what makes these homes green, sustainable, ecologically sounder than other homes? Several factors were mentioned repeatedly in the tour guide and by the builders and designers.. These factors relate to the materials used, water conservation; health, and safety issues; energy conservation; and community impact. Specifically, builders made wide use of solar energy, recycled materials, highly rated energy efficient cooling, heating, and household appliances; energy efficient lighting. They reduced or eliminated the use of construction materials (paints, sealers, plasters, wood) with known noxious substances. Builders conserve water, through catchment, the use of low-flow toilets, special shower heads and faucets and the collection of gray water for gardening. In addition, builders emphasize efficient insulation, tight construction, and effective roofs, doors, and windows.

The tour program and guidebook detailed the green features of each home and explained some of the terms. But I concluded, the tour was geared toward professionals. Much of green vocabulary ENERGY STAR, low-e, LEED, HERS, VOC, SEER, CFL, PV are still not yet common currency, and will likely not be for some time until more people embrace the green concept.

But owners, builders, designers and their assistants did a fantastic job of explaining their projects. Bill Reynolds of New Haven Homes described his newly built 4, 674 square foot Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home in Corrales and in Albuquerque, Nancy Furbush explained the adobe renovation of the 9828 4^th Street, NW adobe that preserved one historic home and saved another from being bulldozed. Some of these award-winning homes are benefited from tax incentives.

Since several of these homes were for sale, what does a green residence cost? The same factors that affect the price of conventional homes, affect the price of green homes also. Also, green homes, despite the gradually lowering of initial building costs, are still more costly to build. But one of the advantages of living in a green home is that over the long haul, it saves you money. The houses I visited ranged from $288,500 for a 780 square ft. renovation to just over $1,000,000 for a newly constructed 400square ft. contemporary.

Eloise Gift, e-PRO, EcoBroker certified
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Albuquerque celebrated Sustainability Week with lectures, workshops, and tours of award-winning green homes and gardens.

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Last week, I visited China with the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce. In an earlier post, What does your Chamber of Commerce do For You? greater albuquerque chamber of commerce: What Does Your Chamber of Commerce Do for You? I mentioned that the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce, http://www.abqchamber.com/ provides a wide range of opportunities for members to develop expertise, grow their business, save money, retain emplouees, help each other and help their community -- opportunities that include networking, advertising, education, advocacy, and leadership training. I also mentioned that many people recognize chambers of commerce in general as portals into cities, a first stop in seeking information about a region.

Every month the Greater Albuquerque Chamber responds to queries from people at home and abroad who want to learn more about New Mexico. The Chamber goes beyond simply sending out information. Chamber members host business and government leaders who visit and share their expertise and ideas and in return, Chanber representatives visit other cities to observe best practices and build goodwill. This month, the Chamber took another step. It took 200 business people to China on a ten-day tour of four cities--Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou.

It was memorable to stand in the largest square in the world, Tian An Men in Beijing - a city with noticeably clean streets, and see the blend of old and new landscapes while walking through pages of history at the Forbidden City, the Summer Place, and the Ming Tombs. I enjoyed the energy of Shanghai as I experienced it standing on the waterfront with visitors from around the world intermingling with a sizable throng of homegrown tourists. And despite their population of 2 million and 3 million respectively, I could appreciate the pastoral setting of Suzhou, the Oriental Venice with its canals and gardens, and Hangzhou with its tranquil lake, and tea plantations. A visit to a Buddhist temple with an orderly throng of tourists and local worshippers produced the largest, most colorful display of umbrellas I have ever seen.

Considering that the population of New Mexico is just about 1 million, it was mind boggling that small cities in China had populations of 2 and 3 million people. Beijing reportedly has 16 million people, and Shanghai, 18 million.

I was impressed with the massive size of buildings in Beijing and Shanghai, with the high level of development of the country in general, and with the continuing development evidenced by the number of construction sites and projects, and as the Chinese government and people prepare for hosting the Olympics in August, the widespread promotion of the event. It seems inconceivable that the country could have carried out so much construction and achieved so much in the relatively short period of 20-30 years.

I was touched by the friendliness and hospitality of people I met on the street. More than once, I had requests to pose for pictures and more that once, invited to go first in line.

I returned home with a favorable impression and an enlightened view of China. The trip was a wonderful opportunity to learn, to establish relationships and promote goodwill and friendship. In answering the question, what does my Chamber do for me, I'll add that it also helps to educate its members through travel and direct experience, that it keeps expanding the range of of opportunities for participating. But if a picture is worth a thousand words, many pictures must be worth many thousands. With thanks to a follow traveller and and a member of the Chamber, here are several more pictures. http://www.abqchamber.com/content/mmm/china%20ppt/Microsoft%20PowerPoint%20-%20Membership%20and%20Board%20China%20Presentation%20show.pdf

Tuesday, January 15 at the opening of the New Mexico 30-day legislative session at the state capitol in Santa Fe, Governor Bill Richardson announced, the end of his presidential quest and turned his focus fully on the business of New Mexico.

Since then we have had three significant announcements about infusion of money and jobs into the New Mexico economy. The German firm, Schott AG, announced its intention to build and open a solar equipment manufacturing plant at

Today, while the national evening news highlighted rumors of recession, the localnews was all about new business opportunities and new jobs in New Mexico. News of the economy is somewhat like that of real estate. New Mexico real estate, while broadly reflecting the national trend, has to be more narrowly defined. It is ultimately local, reflecting the local economy and job market.

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A Gift for real estate - A Gift for all seasons

If incentives help, green buildings are likely to become commonplace in New Mexico because green buildings pay.

Most people who live in green buildings speak of the energy savings from energy star appliances, low-e windows, tighter construction and the advantages of solar power. Many extol the comfort level and health benefits resulting from the use of well-chosen ,non polluting materials.

For New Mexico owners of green homes, 2007 brought additional advantages by way of savings. As part of its incentive to reduce carbon emissions and reduce global warming, the New Mexico State Legislature passed the Sustainable Building Tax credit Incentive to encourage the private sector to build green.

Everyone who buys or builds a green home is eligible for the tax savings, regardless of income levels. The tax credit is based on the qualified occupied square footage of the home, the sustainable building rating, and energy efficiency as verified by a third party.


Today, a green builder, Artistic Homes, http://www.artistichomes.com/ contacted me. They wanted to inform me, as an eco-broker, that they have taken up the state's challenge and are in the market to provide green homes to consumers. Based on the floor plan purchased, buyers may claim from $6, 525 to $10, 600 in tax credits over a seven year period.

Building green seems to be a good investment. People who build green and take advantage of the government's tax incentive will realise gains in more ways than one --through energy savings and deposits to their bank accounts. They will also have the added pleasure of knowing they are taking care of ttheir health and preserving the environment for future generations.

Green building pays, as others besides home owners and home builders know. The recent Smith's grocery store opened in Albuquerque Westside is a green building. The managers say the materials, construction and design and save thousands of dollars in maintenance and energy costs.

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The Albuquerque, New Mexico economy received good news today. The first came from Eclipse Aviation http://www.eclipseaviation.com/ Albuquerque, New Mexico's small airplane manufacturing plant that has had to defend itself from repeated negative unsubstantiated rumors these past few weeks. Eclipse, announced a $100 million equity investment by European Technology and Investment Research Center (ETIRC) Aviation and renewed their commitment to remain part of the Albuquerque community.

The second announcement of good news came from Governor Bill Richardson himself, fresh from his presidential campaign that SCHOTT AG will build a solar products manufacturing plant in Albuquerque, creating as many as 1,500 jobs at peak production in an eventual $500 million complex. A $100 million first phase investment will require 200,000 square feet and open with 350 employees in early 2009 at Mesa del Sol, http://www.mesadelsolnm.com/ south of the Albuquerque Sunport..

The Schott announcement is a timely shot in the arm of the New Mexico Economy which slowed somewhat in 2007. Through the plant, the state will receive an infusion of $500 million (the cost of the building) and 1,500 jobs when it is operating at its peak.

The announcement complements and supports the state's commitment to providing clean, renewable, and alternative energy. It is in alignment with the state's aggressive goals that by the year 2020, 20% of all energy consumed in New Mexico must be generated by renewable energy sources, of which 4% must be from solar power.

The announcement is validating for Mesa del Sol, the master planned community that promised to build a sustainable, energy-renewable community where people would work where they live. The Schott solar technology plant will be built at Mesa del Sol.

The Schott announcement is immediately good news for residential and commercial real estate. On the commercial side, the company will construct a 200,000 square-foot facility that they hope to expand to 800,000 square ft in the near future. On the residential side, up to 1,500 employed workers will have the resources to achieve the American dream of owning homes to live in or to invest.

Eloise Gift www.EloiseGift.com A Gift for real estate - A Gift for all seasons

Today I listened to an abbreviated history of http://www.cabq.gov/aes/s2rr.html. In brief, he said that Rio Rancho, the fastest growing city in the state of New Mexico was started by a group of con artists who sold parcels of vacant, undeveloped land to unsuspecting people in far away cities (mainly New York) who had no idea they were buying a piece of the City of Vision.

From the sale of those parcels and the construction of the first homes in the early sixties, building began in earnest in the seventies and picked up speed during the last five years. From a city of about 100 in the 60's Rio Rancho has grown to be a city of some 70,000 to 80,000 people, and is expected to become a competitor in size with Albuquerque in the near future. From vast, undeveloped spaces Rio Rancho is being rapidly transformed into a vibrant city of thousands. City of Rio Rancho - Official Site.

One consequence of growth is the relocation of the city center several miles north of its original site. The bright new state-of-the-art City Hall now has as its only neighbor, the arena, Santa Ana Star Center. The vibrant, city center that the area is destined to become is now only a vision.

But Rio Rancho is not wanting for people and neighborhoods. Every quadrant except perhaps the southwest has communities already built or being built. Southeast Rio Rancho, where some of the first homes were built some 30 to 35 years ago (Rolling Hills, Country Club) along with a golf course is still a charming part of the city with detached homes, condos, and apartments. These older communities are now losing their isolation as new developments like Cabezon and others fill out the wide open spaces that separated them. The borders between Albuquerque and Rio are becoming indistinguishable as developments on the edges of each city merge.

On the farthest northwestern edge of the city, Mariposa, a master planned development of high-end homes is under development. When the new city center is complete, Mariposa, will be a close suburb.

To the northeast, current new developments on the edge of Bernalillo link the older River's Edge communities to ongoing developments (Enchanted Hills) bordering Highway 550. Some of the homes are part of much needed planned, adult communities. Others may in the long run, turn out to be bedroom communities for Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Interstate 25 is close by; Albuquerque is running out of room; and Santa Fe has less affordable housing.

Otherwise, residential communities are being built in small and not so small pockets all across the wide open spaces of Rio Rancho. Communities already completed include North Hills and High Resort. Loma Colorado, a Pulte project complementary to Mariposa, in the northwest, is underway in the mid-north. The only quadrant of the city that is largely untouched by construction is the southwest. Even there, the earth movers can't be too far away. In the meantime, potential residents relocating to Rio Rancho have many choices of homes and areas. They may choose new or older homes (none older than 35-40 years) custom or tract, and in a variety of neighborhoods knowing the the vision is not complete.

Eloise Gift www.EloiseGift.com A Gift for real estate - A Gift for all seasons

Eloise Gift www.EloiseGift.com A Gift for real estate - A Gift for all seasons

I stayed up too late last night, writing my post, then overslept, and missed my 7:30 a. m. appointment. it was not an auspicious beginning to my day. But it got better. As I prepared for my second appointment, I could hear the voice of Governor, Bill Richardson declaring on television that he had quit the presidential race. It was good news.

New Mexicans are proud that their Governor would seek the presidency, Bill Richardson for President, and are convinced he would be as great a president, as he ihsd been a governor, but they are happy to have him back to focus on matters of state that that need his attention. So my day brightened when I heard his announcement, knowing the governor would be here for the legislative session.

The governor is interested in providing health care for all in the state of New Mexico. He also wants to improve education, and make provisions for ethics reform -- all matters that are before the legislature for consideration this session. Some of us, involved in discussions and the preparation of supporting arguments for bills we support, want his full attention.

The governor has not missed a beat as returned to his post. Today's Albuquerque Journal announces even before I hear the governor's announcement on television, that he is seeking funds to explore the fate of the Albuquerque school district. Then his voice is on television saying he is back. All is right with our world again.

Conversation naturally turned to the governor's track record during a meeting to discuss the pros and cons of a universal health-care bill to be presented during the legislative session. Someone described the governor's achievements, noting positive changes in the social and economic development of the state during his tenure. He received praise for opening up the economy and attracting entrepreneurs and investors, resulting in unprecedented economic growth and the discovery of the state as a desirable place to live and work. Welcome back, Governor!

What is Albuquerque, New Mexico Real Estate? It is the people, the landscape, the climate, the art, the entire culture and way of life. It is what happens from the moment one lands at the airport and the Land of Enchantment begins to work its magic. Albuquerque real estate includes what so many people feel but have difficulty defining until they throw up their hands in desperation as they look towards the mountains and say, "It's spiritual.

Albuquerque, New Mexico real estate is about Albuquerque but not only Albuquerque. It is also about Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, Los Lunas, Los Ranchos, Tijeras, Edgewood, Chama, Taos, Angel Fire, Mora, Chimayo, Madrid, Farmington, Socorro, Las Cruces, Belen, Sky City, and Truth or Consequences -- a sampling of towns and cities with names that sound as if they were take out of storybooks. Indeed, several are connected with stories. Ask anyone about the City of Truth or Consequences.

The Sandias, the Manzanos, the Sangre de Cristo and the Jemez are mountains that color real estate. The Magdalena and Organ mountains not far from El Malpais http://www.blm.gov/nm/st/en/prog/recreation/rio_puerco/el_malpais.html cast their own enchanting shadows.

Albuquerque and New Mexico real estate would not be the same without the Petroglyph National Monument , Elena Gallegos Park, Cibola National Forrest , and the Bandelier National Monument, http://www.nps.gov/band/. I challenge anyone to drive by the Bandelier caldera without stopping to gaze in awe at that spectacular piece of real estate.

Under all is the land, reads the preamble to the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Realtors, and nowhere is that statement more true, both literally and figuratively, than in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The delightfu climate and uniquely beautiful landscape must have attracted the indigenous people who first settled in and around Albuquerque and the rest of New Mexico. They carved symbols of their way of life on the stones around them and left ahaunting memory of their spirit. The same attractions of the landscape and the climate with intangible accretions of the ages continue to lure people to the state. The people who come and invest in real estate are not investing in a house or land only, but in a quality and way of life that includes everything that contributes to Albuquerque and the state of New Mexico being considered as the Land of Enchantment.

Eloise Gift www.EloiseGift.com A Gift for real estate - A Gift for all seasons

http://eloise-mynewmeico.blogspot.com/

Eloise Gift www.EloiseGift.com A Gift for real estate

The New Mexico Bureau of Business and Economic Research gave its state of New Mexico report yesterday and it wasn't all bad. Larry Waldman, senior economist at the University, said the New Mexico economy is walking, and not running as it was in 2006.

New Mexico's economic growth though slower than 2006 and previous years, is still outperforming the national economy.

Reasons for the less-than-stellar performance of the economy are to be found in the construction, mining, and manufacturing industries. The construction industry grew in the third quarter of 2006 but slowed in the third quarter of 2007. Fewer new housing permits were issued, and demand for materials like cement and steel drove up building costs.

Two thousand seven saw a reversal in the robust manufacturing growth of 2006. Several New Mexico's manufacturers reduced their labor force - Intel Corp., http://www.intel.com/ Eclipse Aviation, http://www.eclipseaviation.com/, Advent Solar, http://www.adventsolar.com/, %20andand Millennium Transit, http://www.answers.com/topic/millennium-transit-services among others. According to the conference report, mining industry revenue also declined.

With these adverse changes, one would expect the unemployment rate to rise and it did. But the state of New Mexico's unemployment rate remains lower than the national average because despite job losses in some sectors of the economy, the state had a net gain of several thousand jobs.

Other sectors absorbed the unemployed. New Mexico's growing film industry, new small businesses (providers of 80% of state employment) health care, and the government sector picked up the slack.

What does all of the above have to do with real estate? The report is highly relevant to the real estate industry. People without jobs, and therefore without income, are unlikely consumers (buyers) and sellers need buyers.

Consequently, the real estate industry in New Mexico can take heart. Although the report was not as optimistic as last year's, it is not as pessimistic as it could be. New Mexico's economic outlook is cheerier than thenational outlook overall, which may account for the real estate industry's performance here also being somewhat cheerier than that of the national. As we have said in these posts before, in real estate we keep our sights on the economy and remember that real estate is always local. After all is said and done, we keep working and tryto see the glass as half full rather than half empty.